Co-owner and host Jeong Hoon Kim (Remember him? The tall, silky haired and rather inscrutable front-of-house host at Saketumi?) has a brand new menu at his wildly popular Miyagi Ramen Bar. “These are not the Ramen noodles you buy in … Continue reading →

Miyagi Ramen Bar

Co-owner and host Jeong Hoon Kim (Remember him? The tall, silky haired and rather inscrutable front-of-house host at Saketumi?) has a brand new menu at his wildly popular Miyagi Ramen Bar. “These are not the Ramen noodles you buy in the store and throw into boiling water,” Kim warns. “We make these entirely from scratch with our own, proprietary recipe. We will serve the real thing.” The menu offers a selection of proteins to combine with your noodles, including chicken and beef. They have hit the ground running, and already have a new menu look for their loyal followers.

Back when he was more inscrutable, Kim made a huge impression on Saketumi’s customers, so much so that Saketumi owner Tammy Wang has partnered with him in this exciting ramen venture. This is a power duo if there ever was one. The decor is somewhat reminiscent of a cross between Tammy’s Saketumi and the signature hi-tech/industrial look of the Chipotle stores: austere and clean. It’s hard to believe that it is the same space that housed the overly cramped and rather poorly managed Saladworks. The future looks good for Miyagi Ramen Bar.

Our first experience – before their official opening – was a success. Aside from the standard first-day growing pains, every dish was beautifully spiced and presented (don’t take my word for it – scroll through the gallery). We started with the pork gyoza (dumplings). Lightly seared, the wrapper is the right texture and the fillings are nicely spiced. We also had to try the Chashu Bun (pork belly on a steam bun). This was particularly good because the pork belly was thinly sliced and seared, thus eliminating the possibility of chewing on a glob of fat on an undercooked park lardon. The char and slicing made all the difference. We had two orders. Don’t judge lest ye be judged.

One of our party of 4 had the signature dish, the Shio Ramen with chicken. The broth brought layers of flavor and in spite of the shio salt base (evaporated seawater salt), it was nicely balanced with a smooth, mild saltiness. A marinated egg, beautifully pickled ginger, nori and black garlic rounded out not only the visual experience but also the complex flavor palette. This is the perfect entry-level dish for the ramen-challenged. We would order it again in a minute.

Pork dumpling appetizer1/14

Miyagi Ramen Bar2/14

Miyagi Ramen Bar3/14

Simple, austere decor4/14

Miyagi Ramen Bar5/14

Vegan Ramen with veggie/kelp broth.6/14

Chicken katsu dish7/14

Kim and Tammy8/14

Chashu Bun (pork belly buns)9/14

Miyagi Ramen Bar10/14

That spicy miso ramen11/14

Age-dashi tofu appetizer12/14

Image courtesy Bryan Hecksher13/14

softshell crab14/14

I had the Spicy Miso Ramen bowl. The aggressive spice profile was simply delicious, and I sincerely hope that Tammy and Kim don’t give in to the spice wimps and mute this dish. It says spicy on the menu, so wimps be forewarned! But those of us who like personality on the end of our forks or spoons will love this nicely constructed entree. The obligatory egg made an appearance, along with a slice of that nicely charred pork, pickled ginger and bright green scallions.

One of our companions ordered the Chicken Katsu. A fried chicken cutlet is perched on a bed of rice surrounded by a cool cabbage salad with tomato and a donkatsu (simply referring to the fried cutlet) sauce. Those who wish to depart from the realm of ramen will like this simple, straightforward dish.

Another member of our group who is a vegetarian (at least for now) ordered the Vegan Ramen. As much as I tease him about his on-again-off-again eating proclivities, the vegetable kelp seaweed broth was delicious! The bowl was beautifully arranged with bright green broccoli, corn, cabbage strips, kikurage (mushroom) and menma (a Japanese condiment made from lactate-fermented bamboo shoots). Almost makes me want to murder some veggies and take up a meatless life – well, almost! There is a nice pic of the Vegan Ramen in the gallery.

We have been several times since this was first written and the service has matured greatly. Looks like the growing pains are over and Miyagi Ramen Bar has hit the ground running. Don’t miss the softshell crab app if it is on the menu (it IS seasonal, after all). It was delicious and very cleverly presented as to be a tempting finger food.

Prices range from $8 to about $19. Kim chimes in once again “I want Miyagi Ramen Bar to be a place you can dine 2 or 3 nights a week and be able to easily afford it. It will be the essential neighborhood eatery.”

At the moment (one never knows when it will change!) Miyagi Ramen Bar is open for lunch and dinner Tues. thru Sat. They are located at 19266 Coastal Highway in the Safeway shopping center in Rehoboth. They share the center with TGI Fridays and Palate Bistro & Catering. Double-check their hours at 302-567-2835.

About the Author

The Rehoboth Foodie
"My goal is to promote Rehoboth Beach dining while remaining honest and impartial. I don’t gush unless a place deserves it, and I don’t pull punches, either. With so many good places to eat around here, it just doesn’t make sense to waste the calories — or the money — on anything less." View all articles written by The Rehoboth Foodie

It was new food for my wife and me, but Nicola explained everything in a funny, fun, informed way that made the whole time about more than just the food. He’s intense and passionate about the food, and he makes you feel the same way.

Our business will take us to Rehoboth again in two weeks, and Miyagi is definitely where we’re having dinner.

My family recently dined here for the first time.Service was excellent. Noodles were exceptional. Server was well informed in explaining the various dishes. My brother-in-law found the Thai curry dish fantastic. Everyone enjoyed the Chashu Buns. Very high marks for this new entry into the Rehoboth Beach dining scene.

LOVE the food here. There are not many restaurants in the area that feed my vegetarian soul. Had gyoza (The waiter was helpful to point out that the gyoza was vegetarian, not vegan–okay with me!) & the vegan ramen bowl with EXTRA pickled ginger (I’m a ginger gal!) even though the dish comes with plenty. I will be back for more soon!

I visited this evening (Tuesday..may need to update the site as it says closed) with my family of five and had a wonderful dinner. I had the spicy ramen and I must agree that this should not be tamed down at all it was delicious as is. My daughter had the vegan ramen and she really enjoyed it (although one of the eggs mistakenly found its way in there and was promptly removed by my vegan) the dumplings, both vegetarian and pork were also delicious and an order of the chicken katsu was well received as well. We will definitely be back.

Enjoyed a wonderful dinner here on Thursday Aug 10. Food and service were excellent. The chef confirmed that the Ramen broth taste so good because it is made from scratch. Not a bit salty like store bought Ramen. A great meal at a great price. Yummy

I’m so looking forward to the opening! I got a sneak peak at the inside and it looks amazing! The food will surely please. If you live at the Delaware beaches or are visiting anytime soon, make sure you check out Miyagi! You won’t be disappointed!

YES!! So excited…. I spent a year in Philly and let me tell you I hope you can compare to Terakawa Ramen. The bowls are huge and the meat ( PORK ) melts in your mouth.. I have become so fond of ramen and my experience with this dish in Philly as well as New York has been a treat. If so, you’ll have regulars waiting out the door for your dish all days of the week. The skies the limit! Very excited to try yours!

I love you duck noodles ! Will you have them? Do your noodles have a lot of carbs in them? What’s the difference in yours except wonderful taste… then the ones they warn us not to eat because they don’t digest?

This is fantastic. I am so excited. You didn’t mention pork. I hope they have tonkotsu ramen with that emulsified rich thick pork broth! It is the best. Have never had beef in ramen, but it could be good.

If anybody has their doubts about ramen or has never had real ramen… Check out Tampopo, Ramen Girl or watch the Chef’s Table (on Netflix) episode about Ivan Ramen.

Add Your Comment

Keep your comments specific. Negative comments posted a day or two after a restaurant opens, or non-specific outbursts like "Bad food!" and "Don't eat there!" with no further explanation will not be accepted. We reserve the right to edit for any reason.
All submissions become the property of RehobothFoodie.com. By the way, it's pretty obvious when a comment is posted by an owner, a disgruntled former employee, or somebody closely related to a restaurant. Some we may still post, some not.
Thanks for being a part of RehobothFoodie.com.